Victim Set on Fire Last Week Dies, Police Seek Additional Witnesses

On Monday morning, April 15, 2013, Long Beach Police received notification from the hospital that the 63 year old victim, who has now been identified as Jerry Payne, has been pronounced deceased. Victim Payne was a resident of Long Beach. The suspect, Raymond Sean Clark, will be re-booked for murder and a new bail has yet to be determined. Detectives still anticipate presenting the case to the District Attorney’s Office within this week.

Investigators reviewed the survillence video of the incident, along with police reports, and determined there are several witnesses to this horrific crime that have yet to come forward. If you witnessed this crime or have information, please contact Homicide Detectives Scott Lasch or Donald Goodman at (562) 570-7244.

On Friday, April 12, 2013 at about 5:15p.m. Long Beach Officers were dispatched to the 7-11 Store in the 5100 block Pacific Coast Hwy to assist with a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, officers learned a man had been set on fire and the suspect had fled the scene.

Victim was alone in his vehicle when the suspect approached the drivers side window. The suspect threw a flammable substance inside the vehicle catching the victim and his vehicle on fire.

Those who witnessed the incident came to the victim’s aid by extinguishing the flames. Long Beach Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition.

The suspect fled the scene and was captured a short time later. He has been identified as Raymond Sean Clark, a 38-year-old homeless man. Clark was booked for attempt murder and two outstanding failure to appear warrants. His bail was set at $502,200.

A motive for the incident is unknown and the investigation remains on going.

Detectives believe there were individuals who witnessed this crime that did not stay at the scene to be interviewed by officers. If you witnessed this incident or have information to provide about this crime please call Homicide Detectives Scott Lasch or Donald Goodman at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips maybe submitted by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.